Computer

• A computer is an electronic device that

manipulates information, or data. It has
the ability to store, retrieve,
and process data. You may already
know that you can use a computer
to type documents, send email, play
games, and browse the Web. You can
also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations,
and even videos.
 Parts of Computer
and their Functions
1. The computer case or system unit
Alternatively called a box, main unit,
and system box, a system unit is the case
containing all the main parts of a computer.
Below is a picture of a computer with each of
the main components that help make up a
computer. In the picture, you can see the
system unit, flat-panel display, speakers,
keyboard, and mouse. We've also labeled
each of the input devices and output devices.
2. Motherboard
The motherboard is the main board mounted
directly inside the computer case. All other
cards plug directly into the motherboard,
hence its name.
It is a printed circuit board in which the CPU,
RAM, drives, power supply, expansion cards,
and more are plugged into it.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU or central

processing unit is basically
like the brain of computer
systems. It processes all
the information on a
computational level.
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is a data storage device that can provide
fast read and write access. RAM is volatile
memory, meaning it loses all the stored data
when power is lost.
The RAM keeps data ready for the CPU to
process. The RAM speed is a big contributor to
the overall speed of a computer system.
It plugs directly into a long slot that has
contacts on either side of the slot.
5. Graphics Card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A graphics card is an output device that

processes the data from the motherboard and
sends the appropriate information to the
computer’s screen for display.
You can connect monitors to it using HDMI,
DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA connectors.
6. Sound Card
A sound card is a computer component
responsible for generating and recording
audio. It enables users to connect analog
speakers, headphones and microphones to
their computer. Most modern computers
have a built-in sound card in the
motherboard.
7. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A hard disk drive (HDD) is an internal or

external computer component that stores
data, such as the operating system,
applications, and user files.
HDDs are “non-volatile” storage devices,
meaning they retain stored data even when
power isn't being supplied.
8. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A power supply unit mounts inside the computer

case. It converts the AC mains supply from the
power cord from a wall socket and supplies the
correct DC voltages to all the components.
9. Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU)

A computer monitor is an output device

that displays information in pictorial or
textual form. A discrete monitor
comprises a visual display, support
electronics, power supply, housing,
electrical connectors, and external user
controls.
10. Keyboard

A keyboard is an input device

that is one of the ways to
communicate with a computer.
Typing a key from the keyboard
sends a small portion of
information to tell it which key
was pressed.
11. Mouse

A mouse is an input device that allows

the user to move a pointer displayed on
the monitor and experience a more
intuitive interaction with computer
systems.
12. Printer

printer is a peripheral machine which

makes a persistent representation of
graphics or text, usually on paper. While
most output is human-readable, bar code
printers are an example of an expanded
use for printers.
13. Scanner

A scanner is a device that captures images

from photographic prints, posters, magazine
pages and similar sources for computer
editing and display. Scanners work by
converting the image on the document into
digital information that can be stored on a
computer through optical character
recognition (OCR)
13. Computer Speakers

Speakers can connect to the sound card at

the rear of the computer.
Another way they can be connected is by a
monitor that already has built-in speakers.
Generally, the sound quality is poor from a
monitor’s speakers. That’s why most people
buy a set of computer speakers for their
desks.
14. Projector

A projector is an output device

that can take images generated by
a computer or Blu-ray player and
reproduce them onto a screen,
wall, or other surface.